News From Your Friends

What’s on our Radar – Week of August 4th, 2025

Tickets for Friends of Clark County’s annual fundraising dinner on September 14th are available now! Read about how important this fundraiser is—especially this year—on the front page of our website here: https://friendsofclarkcounty.org/

• Last week:
  

• • There was a work session on the Comprehensive Plan Update Housing Code, followed by an annexation discussion with the City of Vancouver. You can watch those here:

• • • Housing code: 73025 WS Housing Options & Action Plan Implementation
    • Annexation: 73025 WS Annexation Discussion
  • FOCC and allies won another ask regarding the Department of Natural Resources legacy forest timber sales! We have been urging that the public, or at least select representatives from local advocacy organizations, be involved in county interactions with the DNR, as Clark County legacy forests belong to the citizens of Clark County, the DNR has a history of ignoring our concerns, and the DNR has a vested interest in the logging of these forests due to the large sums of money they are allotted with every timber sale. After first denying FOCC’s ask that the public be included in upcoming site tours led by the DNR with the council, the DNR inexplicably changed course and are allowing the public to attend! FOCC intends to have representatives and allies present at these tours and will keep you posted! This win was in addition to the council deciding to finally get on the record regarding the Turnover timber sale. The council is also exploring the possibility of forming a forestry or natural resources commission or task force.

  • There was a Planning Commission work session on the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan Update AND discussion of public feedback on land use alternatives from the Comprehensive Plan Update workshop comment period. Of note is that for the second time, commissioners spoke against the Clark County Environmental Justice Coalition’s anti-displacement policy in the climate policy recommendations for the Comprehensive Plan Update. That conversation starts at about 18 minutes in to the recording:Clark County PC Work Session: Land Use Element, Feedback on Land Use Alternatives, 7.31.2025
    

• This week:
  • There is a Clark County Council meeting TOMORROW, Tuesday, August 5th at 10am, which means there is an opportunity for open public comment (provide up to 3 minutes of testimony on anything concerning the county)! Agenda items of note:
    • Request approval authorizing the County Manager to sign the 2025-2027 agreement and agreement amendments for Clean Water’s Pollution Prevention Assistance program funded by the Department of Ecology.

    • Request approval of the creation of a capital project and a resolution authorizing the County Manager to execute a purchase and sale deed and other necessary closing documents to acquire 96 acres along the East Fork Lewis River near Lewisville Regional Park. Presentation
  • Wednesday, August 6th at 9am is a work session on the Comp Plan Climate Goals and Policies/GHG Targets. Remember, no action is taken at work sessions but they are very informative and the discussion helps clue the public in to how the council is thinking about these topics leading up to the final adoption of the Preferred Alternative to the Comp Plan update. Multiple chapters of the Growth Management Act (GMA) will be discussed, including:
    • •  – Chapter 14 Climate Element – Goals & Policy Table
      •  – Chapter 3 Rural & Natural Resource Element – Goals and Policy Table with Climate Integration
      •  – Chapter 7 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Element – Goals and Policy Table with Climate Integration

• • • • Deep dive into the week’s meeting agenda, including how to participate, here: https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings

• Commission/advisory board meetings this week:
  • Thursday, August 7th at 5:30 p.m is a Planning Commission work session on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the Stormwater Capital Plan, and the Parks and Nature Capital Improvement Plan. Meeting information here: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/planning-commission-hearings-and-meeting-notes

• • The Clark Communities Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CCBPAC) will be holding a special meeting TOMORROW, this Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00pm. Meeting materials and instructions on providing public comment may be found here: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/meeting-information-0

• Other happenings:
  • COUNTY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE ON THE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Clark County is seeking applicants to fill four positions on the nine-member Clark Communities Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. More information here: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/bpac-members
  • Call for public participation from the City of Vancouver: Provide your comments to shape Vancouver’s plan for growth and development!
    The City of Vancouver is currently updating its comprehensive plan, which influences a lot of things including:
    

• • • How where you live, work, and play in Vancouver could grow and change in the future.

• • •  What kinds of housing, jobs, and amenities could be in Vancouver and where they are located.

• • • How safe and easy it is to get to different places in Vancouver.

• • •  And more!

      Now is an important time to get involved. Through the state-required environmental process, the City published a report, called a Draft Environmental Impact Statement also known as a Draft EIS, on July 8 for the public to review and comment on. The Draft EIS looks at how different alternatives for how we could grow and develop could affect our community and environment. It’s used to help consider potential impacts of the City of Vancouver’s Comprehensive Plan Update before it is finalized and adopted. How to get involved:
      Review the alternatives and their potential impacts online, or at an upcoming interactive public meeting or virtual session:
      

• • • • Monday, August 4 via Zoom: Virtual information session, drop in between 11a and 1p

• • • •  Saturday, August 9 at City Hall Interactive public meeting drop in between 11a and 2p

        Then, tell the City what you think! The feedback you provide will help shape the final map and plan for Vancouver’s growth and development. If you have questions, please email City staff at OurVancouver2045@cityofvancouver.us.

See you next week!
Karissa
FOCC Community Outreach